10-Q 1 fy073rdquarter.htm

 


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended November 30, 2006

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from __________to__________

 

Commission file number 1-8527

   
   

A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

______________

 

State of Incorporation: DELAWARE

 

 

 

 

I.R.S. Employer Identification No: 43-1288229

One North Jefferson Avenue

St. Louis, Missouri 63103

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (314) 955-3000

______________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yesx No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act: (Check one):.

 

Large accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No x

 

At December 31, 2006, there were 75,269,773 shares of A.G. Edwards, Inc. common stock, par value $1, issued and outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 

 

15

 

 

 

and Results of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About

 

22

 

 

 

Market Risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

February 28,

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

November 30,

 

 

(As Adjusted,

 

 

2006

 

 

See Note 2)

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

142,811

 

$

178,173

Cash and government securities deposited with clearing organizations or

 

 

 

 

 

segregated under federal and other regulations

 

295,587

 

 

272,881

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

869,150

 

 

195,000

Securities borrowed

 

357,790

 

 

205,774

Receivables:

 

 

 

 

 

Customers, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,743 and $2,600

 

1,699,945

 

 

2,084,278

Brokers and dealers

 

208,201

 

 

187,092

Clearing organizations

 

1,921

 

 

809

Fees, dividends and interest

 

133,030

 

 

118,465

Securities inventory, at fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

State and municipal

 

279,620

 

 

284,539

Government and agencies

 

35,458

 

 

71,188

Corporate debt

 

40,825

 

 

35,638

Equities

 

10,424

 

 

22,788

Investments

 

413,357

 

 

367,822

Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and

 

 

 

 

 

amortization of $715,820 and $723,054

 

456,480

 

 

485,287

Deferred income taxes

 

94,153

 

 

107,114

Other assets

 

37,326

 

 

54,795

 

$

5,076,078

 

$

4,671,643

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Checks payable

$

272,055

 

$

313,448

Securities loaned

 

239,406

 

 

200,988

Payables:

 

 

 

 

 

Customers

 

1,322,274

 

 

1,102,040

Brokers and dealers

 

101,406

 

 

118,403

Clearing organizations

 

36,304

 

 

37,561

Securities sold but not yet purchased, at fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

State and municipal

 

1,022

 

 

5,055

Government and agencies

 

76,781

 

 

21,041

Corporate debt

 

7,938

 

 

18,174

Equities

 

719

 

 

1,372

Employee compensation and related taxes

 

472,320

 

 

495,828

Deferred compensation

 

239,504

 

 

228,548

Income taxes

 

36,189

 

 

22,453

Other liabilities

 

231,019

 

 

219,720

Total Liabilities

 

3,036,937

 

 

2,784,631

Stockholders' Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $25 par value:

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized, 4,000,000 shares; none issued

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $1 par value:

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized, 550,000,000 shares; issued, 96,463,114 shares

 

96,463

 

 

96,463

Additional paid-in capital

 

300,389

 

 

293,362

Retained earnings

 

2,465,159

 

 

2,293,910

 

 

2,862,011

 

 

2,683,735

Less: Treasury stock, at cost (20,986,504 and 20,872,779 shares)

 

822,870

 

 

796,723

Total Stockholders' Equity

 

2,039,141

 

 

1,887,012

 

$

5,076,078

 

$

4,671,643

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

November 30,

 

November 30,

 

 

 

 

(As Adjusted,

 

 

 

 

(As Adjusted,

 

 

 

 

See Note 2)

 

 

 

 

See Note 2)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset management and service fees

$

318,194

 

$

269,789

 

$

930,357

 

$

777,958

Commissions

 

247,621

 

 

247,209

 

 

761,649

 

 

744,175

Principal transactions

 

53,660

 

 

50,264

 

 

161,964

 

 

154,093

Investment banking

 

72,620

 

 

57,974

 

 

177,419

 

 

184,556

Interest

 

57,999

 

 

48,164

 

 

170,690

 

 

131,092

Other

 

21,390

 

 

3,966

 

 

55,789

 

 

15,441

Total Revenues

 

771,484

 

 

677,366

 

 

2,257,868

 

 

2,007,315

Interest expense

 

3,955

 

 

3,281

 

 

12,418

 

 

7,755

Net Revenues

 

767,529

 

 

674,085

 

 

2,245,450

 

 

1,999,560

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Interest Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits

 

476,208

 

 

434,431

 

 

1,408,502

 

 

1,299,707

Communication and technology

 

64,736

 

 

56,938

 

 

187,972

 

 

172,788

Occupancy and equipment

 

37,584

 

 

36,423

 

 

111,445

 

 

107,809

Marketing and business development

 

17,669

 

 

16,554

 

 

61,088

 

 

55,650

Floor brokerage and clearance

 

4,895

 

 

5,095

 

 

13,995

 

 

15,024

Other

 

42,391

 

 

48,795

 

 

111,618

 

 

122,529

Total Non-Interest Expenses

 

643,483

 

 

598,236

 

 

1,894,620

 

 

1,773,507

Earnings before income taxes

 

124,046

 

 

75,849

 

 

350,830

 

 

226,053

Income Taxes

 

45,719

 

 

24,179

 

 

128,654

 

 

78,167

Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change

$

78,327

 

$

51,670

 

$

222,176

 

$

147,886

Cumulative effect of accounting change,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of $1,655 of income taxes

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

2,768

Net Earnings

$

78,327

 

$

51,670

 

$

222,176

 

$

150,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per diluted share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before cumulative effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of accounting change

$

1.03

 

$

0.67

 

$

2.90

 

$

1.91

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of income taxes

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

0.04

Earnings per diluted share

$

1.03

 

$

0.67

 

$

2.90

 

$

1.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per basic share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before cumulative effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of accounting change

$

1.05

 

$

0.67

 

$

2.97

 

$

1.92

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of income taxes

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

0.04

Earnings per basic share

$

1.05

 

$

0.67

 

$

2.97

 

$

1.96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends per share

$

0.20

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.60

 

$

0.52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average common and common equivalent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

76,411

 

 

77,189

 

 

76,566

 

 

77,419

Basic

 

74,501

 

 

76,635

 

 

74,836

 

 

76,967

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4


A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ended November 30,

 

 

 

Nine Months

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

Ended November 30,

 

 

 

(As Adjusted,

 

 

 

2006

 

 

 

See Note 2)

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

222,176

 

 

 

$

150,654

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of $1,655 of income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,768

)

Other noncash items included in net earnings

 

 

71,500

 

 

 

 

40,510

 

Change in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and government securities deposited with clearing organizations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or segregated under federal and other regulations

 

 

(22,706

)

 

 

 

77,808

 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

 

(674,150

)

 

 

 

145,540

 

Net securities borrowed and loaned

 

 

(132,828

)

 

 

 

(59,655

)

Net receivable from customers

 

 

604,234

 

 

 

 

556,981

 

Net payable to brokers and dealers

 

 

(38,106

)

 

 

 

(684,576

)

Net payable to clearing organizations

 

 

(2,369

)

 

 

 

(89,627

)

Fees, dividends and interest receivable

 

 

(14,565

)

 

 

 

(4,299

)

Securities inventory, net

 

 

88,644

 

 

 

 

(51,637

)

All other assets and liabilities

 

 

(36,640

)

 

 

 

(61,300

)

Net cash from operating activities

 

 

65,190

 

 

 

 

17,631

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

 

(51,153

)

 

 

 

(50,371

)

Purchase of other investments

 

 

(15,181

)

 

 

 

(19,497

)

Proceeds from sale or maturity of other investments

 

 

46,198

 

 

 

 

19,774

 

Net cash from investing activities

 

 

(20,136

)

 

 

 

(50,094

)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term bank loans, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16,400

)

Securities loaned

 

 

19,230

 

 

 

 

33,850

 

Employee stock transactions

 

 

69,312

 

 

 

 

45,643

 

Tax benefit associated with stock-based awards

 

 

11,450

 

 

 

 

3,549

 

Cash dividends paid

 

 

(45,628

)

 

 

 

(36,790

)

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

(134,780

)

 

 

 

(88,458

)

Net cash from financing activities

 

 

(80,416

)

 

 

 

(58,606

)

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

(35,362

)

 

 

 

(91,069

)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

 

 

178,173

 

 

 

 

209,039

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

 

$

142,811

 

 

 

$

117,970

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$

90,131

 

 

 

$

112,940

 

Interest, net of amounts capitalized of $19 and $392

 

$

13,009

 

 

 

$

7,818

 

Non-Cash Financing Activity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted stock awards granted

 

$

52,656

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

5


A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The condensed consolidated financial statements of A.G. Edwards, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company"), including its principal subsidiary, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. ("Edwards"), are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2006. All adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods have been reflected. The results of operations for the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006, are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending February 28, 2007. The financial information for prior periods includes the retrospective application of a change in accounting method related to stock options and restricted stock (collectively referred to as “stock awards”) granted to retirement-eligible employees.

 

2. EMPLOYEE STOCK PLANS

 

The Company grants options and restricted stock to employees utilizing two shareholder-approved plans. The 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, (the “ESPP”) is a qualified plan, as defined under section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, used to grant options to purchase the Company’s stock at a discount from market value to a broad base of employees. The 1988 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended, is a non-qualified plan used to grant stock awards at market value to certain officers and key employees.

 

The Company’s Board of Directors authorized for the plan year ended September 30, 2006, up to 1,875,000 shares of common stock to be purchased by employees under the ESPP. The Company’s Board of Directors authorized for the plan year beginning October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007, up to 1,200,000 shares of common stock to be purchased by employees under the ESPP. These shares are purchased in monthly installments at 95 percent of the market price on the last business day of each month. Employees purchased an aggregate of 154,823 and 558,694 shares at an average price of $53.49 and $51.02 during the three-month and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2006. Employees purchased an aggregate of 198,916 and 688,923 shares at an average price of $41.16 and $40.92 during the three-month and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2005. Treasury shares were utilized for all of the shares purchased.

Effective March 1, 2005, the Company early adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS No. 123R”). SFAS No. 123R and its related interpretations require the recognition of the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock awards in the financial statements over the period the employee is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively the vesting period). SFAS No. 123R also requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award.

Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective approach, the Company recognized a $4,423 benefit ($2,768 after-tax) during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2005, as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting method resulting from the requirement to estimate forfeitures of restricted stock awards at the date of grant instead of recognizing them as incurred. The cumulative benefit, net of tax, increased earnings per diluted and basic share by $0.04.

In addition, as a result of adopting SFAS No. 123R and the change in accounting method discussed in the next paragraph, the Company's retrospective application resulted in the recording of compensation expense only for stock awards to retirement-eligible employees in the nine months ended November 30, 2005, as all compensation expense related to outstanding awards had already been recognized or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements of previous periods. Prior to March 1, 2005, under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and its related interpretations, the Company recognized compensation expense related to restricted stock in net earnings in the year of grant, but did not recognize any associated compensation expense related to stock options.

 

6


A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company recognized the compensation expense related to stock awards to retirement-eligible employees on the date of grant. Based on interpretive guidance related to SFAS No. 123R, on March 1, 2006, the Company changed its accounting method for recognizing the cost of stock awards that are granted to retirement-eligible employees. The Company is accruing an expense throughout the fiscal year preceding the date of grant representing an estimate of stock awards to be granted to retirement-eligible employees as a result of such fiscal year’s service rather than recognize the expense on grant date, which occurs in the first quarter of the subsequent fiscal year. The accounting for stock awards to non retirement-eligible employees will not change and will be recognized over the vesting period, generally three years from grant date. The Company determined that the changed accounting method is preferable because it better reflects the compensation expense for stock awards to retirement-eligible employees over the period in which stock awards are earned.

As a result of this change, under SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - A Replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3,” the comparative periods’ financial statements include the retrospective application of this change in accounting method. See below for the impact of the change on the current and prior periods’ reported financial statements. The column labeled "As Computed" shows the condensed consolidated financial statements as if the Company had continued to expense stock awards to retirement-eligible employees on the date of grant.

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

November 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense Retirement-

 

Expense Retirement-

 

 

 

 

 

Eligible Stock Awards

 

Eligible Stock Awards

 

Effect of

 

 

 

over Service Period

 

on Grant Date

 

Change

 

 

 

As Reported

 

As Computed

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

$

94,153

 

$

93,659

 

$

494

 

Total Assets

 

$

5,076,078

 

$

5,075,584

 

$

494

 

Employee compensation and related taxes

 

$

472,320

 

$

451,388

 

$

20,932

 

Total Liabilities

 

$

3,036,937

 

$

3,016,005

 

$

20,932

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

$

300,389

 

$

320,000

 

$

(19,611

)

Retained earnings

 

$

2,465,159

 

$

2,465,986

 

$

(827

)

Total Stockholders' Equity

 

$

2,039,141

 

$

2,059,579

 

$

(20,438

)

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

$

5,076,078

 

$

5,075,584

 

$

494

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

February 28, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense Retirement-

 

Expense Retirement-

 

 

 

 

 

Eligible Stock Awards

 

Eligible Stock Awards

 

Effect of

 

 

 

over Service Period

 

on Grant Date

 

Change

 

 

 

As Adjusted

 

As Originally Reported

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

$

107,114

 

$

99,740

 

$

7,374

 

Total Assets

 

$

4,671,643

 

$

4,664,269

 

$

7,374

 

Employee compensation and related taxes

 

$

495,828

 

$

476,217

 

$

19,611

 

Total Liabilities

 

$

2,784,631

 

$

2,765,020

 

$

19,611

 

Retained earnings

 

$

2,293,910

 

$

2,306,147

 

$

(12,237

)

Total Stockholders' Equity

 

$

1,887,012

 

$

1,899,249

 

$

(12,237

)

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

$

4,671,643

 

$

4,664,269

 

$

7,374

 

 

 

 

7


A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

November 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligible Stock Awards 

 

Eligible Stock Awards 

 

Effect of

 

 

 

over Service Period 

 

on Grant Date

 

Change

 

 

 

As Reported

 

As Computed

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits expense

 

$

476,208

 

$

470,520

 

$

5,688

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

$

124,046

 

$

129,734

 

$

(5,688

)

Income Taxes

 

$

45,719

 

$

47,847

 

$

(2,128

)

Earnings before cumulative effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of accounting change

 

$

78,327

 

$

81,887

 

$

(3,560

)

Net Earnings

 

$

78,327

 

$

81,887

 

$

(3,560

)

Earnings per diluted share before cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

1.03

 

$

1.08

 

$

(0.05

)

Earnings per diluted share after cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

1.03

 

$

1.08

 

$

(0.05

)

Earnings per basic share before cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

1.05

 

$

1.10

 

$

(0.05

)

Earnings per basic share after cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

1.05

 

$

1.10

 

$

(0.05

)

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

November 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligible Stock Awards 

 

Eligible Stock Awards 

 

Effect of

 

 

 

over Service Period

 

on Grant Date

 

Change

 

 

 

As Adjusted

 

As Originally Reported  

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits expense

 

$

434,431

 

$

430,125

 

$

4,306

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

$

75,849

 

$

80,155

 

$

(4,306

)

Income Taxes

 

$

24,179

 

$

25,798

 

$

(1,619

)

Earnings before cumulative effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of accounting change

 

$

51,670

 

$

54,357

 

$

(2,687

)

Net Earnings

 

$

51,670

 

$

54,357

 

$

(2,687

)

Earnings per diluted share before cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.71

 

$

(0.04

)

Earnings per diluted share after cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.71

 

$

(0.04

)

Earnings per basic share before cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.71

 

$

(0.04

)

Earnings per basic share after cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.71

 

$

(0.04

)

 

8


A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

November 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligible Stock Awards 

 

Eligible Stock Awards 

 

Effect of

 

 

 

over Service Period

 

on Grant Date

 

Change

 

 

 

As Reported

 

As Computed

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits expense

 

$

1,408,502

 

$

1,407,181

 

$

1,321

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

$

350,830

 

$

352,151

 

$

(1,321

)

Income Taxes

 

$

128,654

 

$

129,148

 

$

(494

)

Earnings before cumulative effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of accounting change

 

$

222,176

 

$

223,003

 

$

(827

)

Net Earnings

 

$

222,176

 

$

223,003

 

$

(827

)

Earnings per diluted share before cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

2.90

 

$

2.92

 

$

(0.02

)

Earnings per diluted share after cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

2.90

 

$

2.92

 

$

(0.02

)

Earnings per basic share before cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

2.97

 

$

2.98

 

$

(0.01

)

Earnings per basic share after cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

2.97

 

$

2.98

 

$

(0.01

)

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

November 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligible Stock Awards 

 

Eligible Stock Awards 

 

Effect of

 

 

 

over Service Period 

 

on Grant Date

 

Change

 

 

 

As Adjusted

 

As Originally Reported

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits expense

 

$

1,299,707

 

$

1,286,623

 

$

13,084

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

$

226,053

 

$

239,137

 

$

(13,084

)

Income Taxes

 

$

78,167

 

$

83,087

 

$

(4,920

)

Earnings before cumulative effect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of accounting change

 

$

147,886

 

$

156,050

 

$

(8,164

)

Net Earnings

 

$

150,654

 

$

158,818

 

$

(8,164

)

Earnings per diluted share before cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

1.91

 

$

2.02

 

$

(0.11

)

Earnings per diluted share after cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

1.95

 

$

2.06

 

$

(0.11

)

Earnings per basic share before cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

1.92

 

$

2.02

 

$

(0.10

)

Earnings per basic share after cumulative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

effect of accounting change

 

$

1.96

 

$

2.06

 

$

(0.10

)

 

9


A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

November 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligible Stock Awards 

 

Eligible Stock Awards

 

Effect of

 

 

 

over Service Period 

 

on Grant Date

 

Change

 

 

 

As Reported

 

As Computed

 

 

 

Net Earnings

 

$

222,176

 

$

223,003

 

$

(827

)

Other noncash items included in net earnings

 

$

71,500

 

$

70,205

 

$

1,295

 

Change in all other assets and liabilities

 

$

(36,640

)

$

(36,172

)

$

(468

)

Net cash from operating activities

 

$

65,190

 

$

65,190

 

$

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(35,362

)

$

(35,362

)

$

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

$

178,173

 

$

178,173

 

$

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

142,811

 

$

142,811

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

November 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

Expense Retirement- 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligible Stock Awards

 

Eligible Stock Awards

 

Effect of

 

 

 

over Service Period 

 

on Grant Date 

 

Change

 

 

 

As Adjusted

 

As Originally Reported

 

 

 

Net Earnings

 

$

150,654

 

$

158,818

 

$

(8,164

)

Other noncash items included in net earnings

 

$

40,510

 

$

32,346

 

$

8,164

 

Net cash from operating activities

 

$

17,631

 

$

17,631

 

$

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(91,069

)

$

(91,069

)

$

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

$

209,039

 

$

209,039

 

$

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

117,970

 

$

117,970

 

$

 

 

During the first quarter of 2007, the Company granted 1,026,229 restricted shares with a market value of $52,656 and 307,813 stock options with a fair value of $5,722 on April 17, 2006, with the related expense being recognized over the vesting period for non retirement-eligible employees, generally three years, and as a result of the retrospective application discussed above, recorded expense in the preceding fiscal year of service for retirement-eligible employees. Of these awards, 339,368 restricted shares with a market value of $17,413 and 118,247 stock options with a fair value of $2,198 were awarded to retirement-eligible employees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10


A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

3. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

In November 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding stock during the period from November 19, 2004 through December 31, 2006. In November 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding stock during the period from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008. The Company purchased 909,317 shares at an aggregate cost of $50,941 during the three-month period ended November 30, 2006, and purchased 962,362 shares at an aggregate cost of $41,613 during the three-month period ended November 30, 2005. The Company purchased 2,334,309 shares at an aggregate cost of $122,200 during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006, and purchased 1,947,826 shares at an aggregate cost of $83,928 during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2005. At November 30, 2006, the Company had 4,123,777 shares available for repurchase under this authorization. The Company’s Board of Directors gave management discretion as to the timing of buybacks and whether to purchase any or all of the authorization. Shares repurchased have been used primarily to offset dilution from the Company’s stock-based employee-benefits and employee-compensation plans.

In May 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding stock solely to effect employee stock transactions in the Company’s Retirement and Profit Sharing Plan (“RPSP”) during the period from May 24, 2005 through May 31, 2008. The Company purchased 62,396 shares at an aggregate cost of $3,503 during the three-month period ended November 30, 2006. The Company purchased 235,801 shares at an aggregate cost of $12,580 during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006. The Company purchased 42,920 shares at an aggregate cost of $1,915 during the three-month period ended November 30, 2005. The Company purchased 102,476 shares at an aggregate cost of $4,530 during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2005. At November 30, 2006, the Company had 4,611,178 shares available for repurchase under this authorization.

In May 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the sale of up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s stock to the Company’s RPSP during the period May 24, 2005 through May 31, 2008. The Company sold 25,821 shares at aggregate proceeds of $1,401 during the three-month period ended November 30, 2006. The Company sold 350,465 shares at aggregate proceeds of $16,621 during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2006. The Company sold 59,596 shares at aggregate proceeds of $2,547 during the three-month period ended November 30, 2005. The Company sold 111,960 shares at aggregate proceeds of $4,854 during the nine-month period ended November 30, 2005. At November 30, 2006, the Company had 4,495,808 shares available to sell.

Comprehensive earnings for the three-month and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, were equal to the Company's net earnings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11


A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

4. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The following table presents the computations of diluted and basic earnings per share:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

November 30,

 

November 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

(As Adjusted,

 

 

 

(As Adjusted,

 

 

 

 

 

See Note 2)

 

 

 

See Note 2)

 

Earnings before cumulative effect of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

accounting change

 

$

78,327

 

$

51,670

 

$

222,176

 

$

147,886

 

Cumulative effect of accounting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

change, net of income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,768

 

Net earnings available to common stockholders

 

$

78,327

 

$

51,670

 

$

222,176

 

$

150,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

 

74,501

 

 

76,635

 

 

74,836

 

 

76,967

 

Dilutive effect of employee stock plans

 

 

1,910

 

 

554

 

 

1,730

 

 

452

 

Total weighted average diluted shares

 

 

76,411

 

 

77,189

 

 

76,566

 

 

77,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per diluted share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before cumulative effect of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

accounting change

 

$

1.03

 

$

0.67

 

$

2.90

 

$

1.91

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.04

 

Earnings per diluted share

 

$

1.03

 

$

0.67

 

$

2.90

 

$

1.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per basic share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before cumulative effect of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

accounting change

 

$

1.05

 

$

0.67

 

$

2.97

 

$

1.92

 

Cumulative effect of accounting change,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.04

 

Earnings per basic share

 

$

1.05

 

$

0.67

 

$

2.97

 

$

1.96

 

For the three-month and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2005, there were 755,644 and 348,383 options, respectively, that were considered antidilutive and thus not included in the above calculation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

 


5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company is a defendant in a number of lawsuits, in some of which plaintiffs claim substantial amounts, relating primarily to its securities and commodities business. Management has determined that it is likely that ultimate resolution in favor of the plaintiffs will result in losses to the Company on certain of these claims and as a result, establishes accruals for potential litigation losses. The Company also is involved, from time to time, in investigations and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies, certain of which may result in adverse judgments, fines or penalties. Factors considered by management in estimating the Company’s reserves for these matters are the loss and damages sought by the plaintiffs, the merits of the claims, the total cost of defending the litigation, the likelihood of a successful defense against the claims, and the potential for fines and penalties from regulatory agencies. Management, based on its understanding of the facts, reasonably estimates a range of loss and accrues what it considers appropriate to reserve against probable loss for certain claims and regulatory matters. While results of litigation and investigations and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies or the resulting judgments, fines or penalties cannot be predicted with certainty, management, after consultation with counsel, believes that resolution of all such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the condensed consolidated balance sheet, statement of earnings or statement of cash flows of the Company, except that the Company believes, based on current knowledge and after consulting with counsel, that the impact of the matters could be material to the operating results in one or more periods.

6. INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate for the three-month and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2006, were 36.9 percent and 36.7 percent, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three-month and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2005, were 31.9 percent and 34.6 percent, respectively. During the three-month and nine-month periods ended November 30, 2005, the Company recognized tax benefits of $3,463 and $4,688, respectively, from the resolution of certain tax matters.

7. NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENT

Edwards is subject to the net capital rule administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This rule requires Edwards to maintain a minimum net capital, as defined, and to notify and sometimes obtain the approval of the SEC and other self-regulatory organizations for substantial withdrawals of capital or loans to affiliates. At November 30, 2006, Edwards’ net capital of $827,836 was $789,361 in excess of the minimum requirement.

8. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company receives collateral in connection with resale agreements, securities-borrowed transactions, customer-margin loans and other loans. Under many agreements, the Company is permitted to repledge these securities held as collateral and use these securities to enter into securities-lending arrangements or deliver them to counterparties to cover short positions. At November 30, 2006, the fair value of securities received as collateral where the Company is permitted to sell or repledge the securities was $2,499,277 and the fair value of the collateral that had been repledged was $549,067.

9. NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE/ARCHIPELAGO HOLDINGS, INC. MERGER

On March 7, 2006, the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and Archipelago Holdings, Inc. merger closed forming a new holding company, NYSE Group, Inc. (“NYSE Group”). In the merger, NYSE members were entitled, and the Company elected, to receive $405 and 78,601 shares of NYSE Group common stock for each NYSE membership seat. The shares are subject to certain restrictions that expire ratably over a three-year period, unless the NYSE Group board of directors removes or reduces the transfer restrictions earlier. In May 2006, the Company sold 67,841 shares in a secondary offering at a price of $60.27 per share.

At February 28, 2006, the Company had four NYSE membership seats at a total cost of $492. Factoring in the Company’s cost basis for the four seats and the transfer restrictions on the shares, the Company recognized a $26,375 gain in the first nine months of 2007 related to the merger. Gains or losses will be recorded in future periods as transfer restrictions expire and the share price of NYSE Group stock fluctuates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13


A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NINE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

10. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Retirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R),” (“SFAS No. 158”). SFAS No. 158 requires employers to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit post-retirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position. Further, this statement requires employers to recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS No. 158 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently assessing the impact that SFAS No. 158 will have on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurement. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact that SFAS No. 157 will have on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in the Current Year Financial Statements” (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 addresses how the effects of prior year uncorrected misstatements should be considered when quantifying misstatements in current year financial statements. SAB 108 requires an entity to quantify misstatements using a balance sheet and income statement approach and to evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying an error that is material in light of relevant quantitative and qualitative factors. SAB No. 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The Company does not expect SAB No. 108 to have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2006, FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently assessing the impact that FIN 48 will have on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections – a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3,” (“SFAS No. 154”). SFAS No. 154 changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting method. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company adopted SFAS No. 154 on March 1, 2006, and applied the pronouncement to its change in accounting method for stock awards granted to retirement-eligible employees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14


Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

(Year references are to fiscal years ended February 28 unless otherwise specified)

 

Introduction

Founded in 1887 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, A.G. Edwards, Inc. is a financial services holding company whose primary subsidiary is the national investment firm of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. (“Edwards”). A.G. Edwards, Inc. and its operating subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), provide securities and commodities brokerage, investment banking, trust, asset management, retirement and financial planning, insurance products, and other related financial services.

The Company’s client base is comprised mostly of individual investors and includes corporations, governments, municipalities and financial institutions. The Company serves its clients through one of the securities industry’s largest branch-office networks with locations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, London, England and Geneva, Switzerland.

At November 30, 2006, the Company had 746 locations, up eight from the end of fiscal 2006. The number of the Company’s financial consultants at November 30, 2006 was 6,628, down 196 from the end of fiscal 2006. The total number of full-time employees at November 30, 2006 was 15,364, down 116 from the end of fiscal 2006.

Total client assets as of November 30, 2006 were $370 billion, an increase of $27 billion (8 percent) from the end of fiscal 2006. Average client assets per financial consultant as of November 30, 2006 were $55.8 million, an increase of $5.5 million (11 percent) from the end of fiscal 2006.

Executive Summary

Business Environment

As the fiscal year progressed and the economic data turned more positive, the actions of investors suggested they were becoming more comfortable with the economic and market environments. While the first four months of the nine-month period were largely dominated by rising interest rates and rising oil prices, along with economic data that provided no clear indication of the economy’s direction, the last five months of the period displayed much of the opposite. After raising the Federal Funds rate from 4.75 percent to 5.25 percent from March to June, the Federal Reserve held the rate steady from June through the end of November. Crude oil prices, which peaked at more than $78 per barrel in July, fell below $60 per barrel and stayed there for much of October and November, closing the period at $63 per barrel. Consumer price inflation increased at its smallest monthly rates during the last three months of the period, and Gross Domestic Product growth maintained slower, steadier progress in the second and third calendar quarters, further relaxing concerns of additional Fed Funds rate increases.

The positive economic news late in the fiscal period was reflected in the equity markets. While the major stock market indexes posted modest gains through the first six months, their year-to-date highs and overall gains have largely come within the past three months. The S&P 500 Index increased 120 points (9 percent) year-to-date, gaining 97 of those points (7 percent) in the past three months. Similarly, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 1,229 points (11 percent) year-to-date, gaining 841 points (7 percent) in the past three months. The Nasdaq Composite, meanwhile, was at a 4 percent loss through the first six months before posting a 248-point (11 percent) increase in the past three months, resulting in an overall year-to-date gain of 151 points (7 percent).

Company Performance Summary

For the first nine months of 2007, the Company experienced a 12 percent increase in net revenues, a 47 percent increase in net earnings, and a 49 percent increase in earnings per diluted share. Pre-tax profit margins grew to 16 percent from 11 percent, and return on average equity increased to 15 percent from 11 percent:






15


The Company posted increases in five of its six revenue categories during the period, including a $152 million (20 percent) increase in asset-management and service-fee revenues – its largest revenue source. The Company’s results were additionally bolstered by a $35 million (28 percent) increase in net interest revenue, reflecting an increased prime rate resulting in higher interest rates charged on margin balances, higher interest payments on the fixed-income inventory held for sale to clients, and higher revenue from short-term investments.

 

Over the past 12 months, client assets in fee-based accounts grew 22 percent while total client assets increased 12 percent.

 



 

The Company’s results for the first nine months included $26 million in revenue for gains related to the merger of the New York Stock Exchange and Archipelago Holdings, Inc. to form NYSE Group, Inc. (“NYSE Group”), including the mark-to-market on NYSE Group shares the Company currently holds.

 

Expenses for compensation and benefits in the first nine months increased mainly due to greater revenue produced by the Company’s financial consultants, earnings allocated to the Company’s incentive compensation and a change in the expense recognition for employee awards of restricted stock and stock options. Communication and technology expenses also increased, largely because of higher depreciation expenses, higher technology-consulting expenses and higher securities-processing costs, which are consistent with greater client activity. The securities-processing costs became more variable in nature after the Company moved its securities-processing operations to an application service provider last year. As a partial offset, other expenses declined during the period as a result of lower expenses for addressing various regulatory changes and legal matters.

 

Additionally, results for the prior periods have been adjusted to reflect a change in accounting method for stock awards to retirement-eligible employees under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004) “Share Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”).

Results of Operations – For the Nine Months Ended November 30, 2006 vs. November 30, 2005

 

The Company generates revenues primarily through Edwards. These revenues can be categorized into six categories: asset-management services, commission-based transactions, principal transactions, investment banking, net interest revenue and other.

 

Many factors affect the Company’s net revenues and profitability, including economic and market conditions, the level and volatility of interest rates, inflation, political events, investor sentiment, legislative and regulatory developments, and competition. Because many of these factors are unpredictable and beyond the Company’s control, earnings may fluctuate significantly from year to year.

 

The following table illustrates the composition of the Company’s net revenues for the nine months ended November 30, 2006 compared to the nine months ended November 30, 2005:

 

 

2006

2005

Asset management and service fees

41%

39%

Commissions

34%

37%

Principal transactions

7%

8%

Investment banking

8%

9%

Net interest

7%

6%

Other

3%

1%

 

 

 

 

16


Following are descriptions of the Company’s revenue and expense components and its operational results in each.

 

Asset Management and Service Fees

Revenues from asset-management services are based principally on the amount of certain client assets held through the Company. These assets may be managed by the Company or by third-party investment managers, including mutual funds, managed futures funds, money market funds, annuities and insurance companies. The Company manages certain client assets through the A.G. Edwards Trust Company FSB (“Trust Company”), a wholly owned subsidiary and federally chartered savings bank that provides investment advisory, portfolio management and trust services. In addition, the Company offers a non-discretionary advisory program known as Portfolio Advisor and a discretionary advisory program known as FC Advisor.

 

The Company also offers fee-based fund advisory programs that allow clients to select from recommended, established asset allocation models or customize their own models in certain programs. The fund advisory programs are known individually as AGE Allocation Advisors, AGE Pathways and AGE Professional Fund Advisor. The Company, in addition to its advisory programs, offers a fee-based brokerage account known as Client Choice.

 

Additionally, effective October 1, 2005, the Company incorporated a new subsidiary known as Gallatin Asset Management, Inc. (“Gallatin”), which combines what had been Edwards’ asset-management services and Edwards’ asset-manager research and performance-evaluation functions. Gallatin provides separately managed accounts and other services to Edwards and markets its investment-management services to unaffiliated mutual-fund firms, pension-fund providers, insurance companies and other financial institutions, including banks and brokerage firms. Gallatin receives management fees for its services. Gallatin’s revenue contribution was not material to the Company’s results of operations in the first nine months of 2007.

 

With an increase of $152 million (20 percent), asset-management and service-fee revenues reached a nine-month record of $930 million. The growth was led by a $65 million (23 percent) revenue increase from fee-based programs under third-party management or through the Company’s fee-based transaction accounts and trust services. The number of client accounts in these programs grew 21 percent.

 

Fees received from third-party mutual funds, managed futures and insurance providers increased $62 million (19 percent) mainly as a result of increased asset values in these investment products. Fees received from the distribution of certain money funds increased $22 million (25 percent) due mainly to an increase in client assets in those money funds along with an adjustment to the distribution-fee rate for certain money funds.

 

Assets from fee-based programs steadily increased as the period progressed. The Company’s fund-advisory programs led the growth in this area, both in terms of assets (46 percent) and number of client accounts (41 percent).

 

Client assets in fee-based accounts increased $8 billion (22 percent) from the end of the third quarter of 2006. An analysis of changes in assets in fee-based accounts from November 30, 2005, to November 30, 2006 is detailed below (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Assets in fee-based

 

November 30,

 

November 30,

 

 

 

accounts

 

2006

 

2005

 

Increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund advisory programs

 

$

18,431,000

 

$

12,645,000

 

46

%

Separately managed accounts

 

 

12,360,000

 

 

11,856,000

 

4

%

Company-managed and other

fee-based accounts

 

 

11,128,000

 

 

9,881,000

 

13

%

Total assets in fee-based accounts

 

$

41,919,000

 

$

34,382,000

 

22

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17


Commissions

The Company generates commission revenues when acting as an agent for client activities in transaction-based accounts in listed and over-the-counter securities, mutual funds, insurance products, futures and options. These revenues can be affected by trading volumes, by the dollar value of individual transactions, by market and economic conditions, and by investor sentiment because the Company’s clients are primarily retail-oriented.

 

Commission revenues in the first nine months increased $17 million (2 percent). Commissions from equities transactions increased $13 million (3 percent). Transaction revenues from insurance products increased $5 million (3 percent). Revenues from futures and options transactions grew $1 million (4 percent). These increases were partially offset by a $1 million (1 percent) decrease in revenues from transactions in mutual funds.

 

All commission-based revenue categories were at or near their best performance in May, while they displayed their weakest performance in July, consistent with market declines and seasonally slower activity. The two largest commission-revenue categories, equities and mutual funds, posted respectable increases from the second quarter to the third quarter, though quarterly commission revenues were highest in the first quarter. In addition to increases in overall client activity in equities during the period, the Company benefited from a change in its commission schedule for equity and options transactions, which went into effect March 15, 2006. The Company believes the period-to-date decrease in individual mutual-fund transactions was partly attributable to the continued client migration toward fee-based fund-advisory programs.

 

Principal Transactions

The Company maintains inventories of fixed-income and equity securities to satisfy client demand and, therefore, effects certain transactions with its clients by acting as a principal. Realized and unrealized gains and losses result from the sale and holding of securities positions for resale to clients and are included in principal-transaction revenues.

 

Revenues from principal transactions in the first nine months of 2007 increased $8 million (5 percent). Revenue from client activity in over-the-counter equity securities increased $8 million (15 percent), and revenue from client activity in Treasury securities increased $1 million (7 percent). These results were partially offset by a $1 million (7 percent) decline in revenue from the sale of corporate-debt securities.

While revenue increases from over-the-counter equity transactions were attributable to greater client activity given the improved stock-market environment, client activity decreased in corporate-debt securities.

Investment Banking

Investment banking revenues result primarily from bringing new issues of securities, both equity-based and fixed income-based, to the market for issuers. The issuers are generally corporate or municipal clients but may be institutional clients of Edwards in the case of exchange-traded funds and related products. Investment banking revenues vary depending on the number and size of transactions successfully completed and generally are received in the form of underwriting fees or selling concessions. Additionally, the Company receives fees for financial advisory services, including advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and other strategic advisory needs.

 

Revenues from investment-banking activities decreased $7 million (4 percent). Underwriting fees and selling concessions from equity transactions, along with management fees, decreased $6 million (4 percent). Underwriting fees and selling concessions from municipal-debt products decreased $4 million (23 percent). As a partial offset to these declines, underwriting fees and selling concessions from corporate- and government-debt products increased $2 million (12 percent).

 

The decrease in revenue from equity products largely resulted from a lower number and smaller size of closed-end funds available to underwrite. However, this general trend changed late in the period, as revenues from both closed-end fund and equity underwritings, along with related management fees, were at their highest levels in the third quarter when compared to the prior two quarters.

 

The declines in debt-related revenue were attributed mainly to fewer offerings of municipal-debt products in a rising-rate environment, as compared to last year.

 

Net Interest Revenue

Interest revenue is derived primarily from financing clients’ margin transactions. These revenues are based largely on the amount of client margin balances and the rate of interest charged on these balances. The Company also earns revenue from interest and dividend payments on inventory held for sale to clients.

 

 

 

 

18


Interest revenue net of interest expense increased $35 million (28 percent). Increases in the prime rate – the base rate the Company uses for charging interest on average margin balances – prompted a 29 percent increase in interest rates charged on client-margin balances and accounted for a $10 million (10 percent) increase in revenue from margin balances. These results were partially offset by lower average client-margin balances, which declined 15 percent from $2.0 billion during last year’s first nine months to $1.7 billion in the same period this year. The decline in average margin balances is believed to be, in part, the by-product of more client assets moving to fee-based programs, most of which do not allow clients to have margin accounts. Higher interest rates also helped contribute to a $29 million (102 percent) increase in revenue from the Company’s short-term investments and its average inventory of securities held for clients, particularly fixed-income securities.

The following charts detail the average client margin balances during the first nine months of 2006 and 2007, respectively, and the average rate charged on those balances:

 



 

Other Revenue

Other revenue increased $40 million during the first nine months. The results include the previously mentioned gains of $26 million related to NYSE Group, including the mark-to-market on NYSE Group shares the Company currently holds. The increase in the Company’s other revenue also includes $14 million in realized and unrealized gains primarily on various private-equity investments.

 

Expenses

The Company’s expenses are categorized into six components: compensation and benefits, communication and technology, occupancy and equipment, marketing and business development, floor brokerage, and other expenses.

 

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits expense comprise the largest component of the Company’s overall expenses. Most of these expenses are variable in nature and relate to commissions paid to the Company’s financial consultants for transaction-based or asset-management services and to incentive compensation, which is largely based on the profitability of the Company. This expense category also includes employee healthcare insurance costs.

 

For the first nine months of 2007, compensation and benefits increased $109 million (8 percent). Commission expense increased $36 million (6 percent). Incentive compensation increased $60 million (25 percent), which included $10 million in amortization expense related to stock awards for non-retirement eligible employees and $8 million in accrued expense for stock awards to be granted to retirement-eligible employees. Costs related to healthcare insurance and other benefits increased $12 million (8 percent).

The increase in commission expense mainly resulted from higher commissionable revenue generated by the Company’s financial consultants in fee-based services and individual transactions, partially offset by the Company’s adjustments earlier this year to its commission payout schedule for certain commissionable transactions. A 47 percent increase in net earnings through the first nine months led to the increase in accruals for incentive compensation.

 

Communication and Technology

Communication and technology expenses mainly encompass those costs associated with operating the Company’s back-office systems and technology infrastructure, which includes computer software and hardware – and the amortization and depreciation of each – along with data and trade processing. This expense line also includes costs for contract workers assigned to the Company’s various technology projects and needs. Additionally, account-statement printing and mailing, telephone service and technology repairs and maintenance all fall under this expense category.

 

19


Communication and technology expenses increased $15 million (9 percent) in the first nine months of 2007. The overall increase included a $3 million (47 percent) increase in securities-processing expenses due to increased client activity. Amortization and depreciation expenses for previously capitalized software and labor expenses increased $5 million (9 percent). Technology-consulting expenses increased $9 million (64 percent) due to various technology projects, including the Company’s transition from certain legacy back-office systems. Partially offsetting the increases was a $2 million (15 percent) decrease in phone service-related expenses.

 

Occupancy and Equipment

Occupancy and equipment expenses relate mainly to the leases for the Company’s branch-office locations and the amortization and depreciation expenses associated with equipment and furniture in those locations.

Occupancy and equipment expenses increased $4 million (3 percent) in the first nine months due to added rent expense for 12 new branch offices since the end of the year-ago period, along with general rent increases for existing offices.

 

Marketing and Business Development

Marketing and business development expenses are mainly related to the Company’s branding initiative, local-branch advertising and promotional efforts, and travel and entertainment expenses.

Marketing and business development expenses increased $5 million (10 percent) for the first nine months of 2007 mainly resulting from increased training and business-development expenses associated with the Company’s recently completed national sales conference.

 

All Other Expenses

All remaining operational expenses are largely related to professional expenses for legal, regulatory and audit consulting services, reserves and settlements for legal and regulatory matters, licensing and registration fees, publication and subscription expenses, and floor brokerage expenses.

All remaining operational expenses in the first nine months of 2007 decreased $12 million (9 percent). Expenses for additional resources needed to address various regulatory changes, investigations and legal matters declined $10 million (22 percent). Reserves for various legal and regulatory matters declined $4 million (13 percent). These decreases were partially offset by a $1 million increase in charitable contributions.

 

Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate was 36.7 percent for the first nine months of 2007 compared with 34.6 percent for the same period last year, which included the recognition of $5 million in tax benefits from the resolution of certain tax matters.

 

Results of Operations – For the Three Months Ended November 30, 2006 vs. November 30, 2005

Net earnings for the quarter ended November 30, 2006 were $78 million on net revenues of $768 million compared to $52 million on net revenues of $674 million for the same quarter last year. The explanations of the revenue and expense fluctuations for the nine-month period are generally applicable for the three-month period, except as noted below:

 

Commissions

Commission revenues for the third quarter were essentially flat versus last year’s third quarter, as increased client activity in individual mutual funds and insurance products was largely offset by decreased client activity in individual equities.

 

Investment Banking

Investment banking revenues increased $15 million (25 percent) in the third quarter versus the same three-month period last year, reflecting a $15 million (31 percent) increase in revenue from equity underwritings and related management fees.

 

Company Announcement

 

The Trust Company received approval in the third quarter from the Office of Thrift Supervision to expand its powers to be able to accept deposits so it can participate, along with several other FDIC-insured banks, in Edwards’ recently announced bank deposit program (“AGE Bank Deposit Program”). The Company expects the AGE Bank Deposit Program to be available to Edwards’ clients nationwide in the first quarter of calendar 2007. The revenue impact of the AGE Bank Deposit Program cannot be determined with certainty and will depend, among other things, on the amount of assets clients move into the AGE Bank Deposit Program, the amount of assets specifically deposited in the Trust Company, interest rates, the level of relationship consolidation and competitive and economic factors.

 

20


Litigation and Regulatory Matters

The Company is a defendant in a number of lawsuits, in some of which plaintiffs claim substantial amounts, relating primarily to its securities and commodities business. Management has determined that it is likely that ultimate resolution in favor of the plaintiffs will result in losses to the Company on certain of these claims and as a result, established accruals for potential litigation losses. The Company also is involved in investigations and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies, certain of which may result in adverse judgments, fines or penalties. Factors considered by management in estimating the Company’s reserves for these matters are the loss and damages sought by the plaintiffs, the merits of the claims, the total cost of defending the litigation, the likelihood of a successful defense against the claims, and the potential for fines and penalties from regulatory agencies. Management, based on its understanding of the facts, reasonably estimates a range of loss and accrues what it considers appropriate to reserve against probable loss for certain claims and regulatory matters. While results of litigation and investigations and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies or the resulting judgments, fines or penalties cannot be predicted with certainty, management, after consultation with counsel, believes that resolution of all such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the condensed consolidated financial condition of the Company but could be material to its operating results in one or more future periods.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s assets fluctuate in the normal course of business, primarily due to the timing of certain transactions. The Company monitors and evaluates the composition and size of its balance sheet. A substantial portion of the Company’s total assets consist of short-term receivables mainly resulting from margin loans to clients, along with highly liquid marketable securities. The principal sources for financing the Company’s business are stockholders’ equity, cash generated from operations, securities-lending arrangements and short-term bank loans. The Company has no long-term debt. Average securities-lending arrangements of $190 million and $141 million and average short-term bank loans of $2 million and $37 million for the quarters ended November 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, were primarily used to finance customer margin transactions.

See Note 3 “Stockholders’ Equity” of the condensed consolidated financial statements of this filing for updates to the stock repurchase programs.

The Company committed $107 million to various private equity partnerships, of which $31 million remained unfunded at November 30, 2006. These commitments are subject to calls by the partnerships as funds are needed.

In November 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an increase in the quarterly dividend from $.16 per share to $.20 per share. The most recent quarterly dividend was paid on January 2, 2007 to shareholders of record on December 8, 2006.

There were no material changes to the Company’s long-term commitments or obligations table as reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006.

Management believes the Company has adequate sources of credit available, if needed, to finance customer-trading volumes, expansion of its branch system, stock repurchases, dividend payments and major capital expenditures. Currently the Company, with certain limitations, has access to $1.2 billion in uncommitted lines of credit as well as the ability to increase its securities lending activities.

Edwards is required by the SEC to maintain specified amounts of liquid net capital to meet its obligations to clients. At November 30, 2006, Edwards’ net capital of $828 million was $789 million in excess of the minimum requirement.

The Trust Company will participate in the AGE Bank Deposit Program and accordingly will have to maintain certain levels of capital for those customer deposits based on regulatory guidelines. The level of capital required at the Trust Company will depend, among other things, on the amount of deposits placed into the Trust Company and the nature of the Trust Company’s assets.

Critical Accounting Estimates

For a description of critical accounting estimates, including those involving a higher degree of complexity and judgment, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2006. In addition, see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2006, for a comprehensive summary of significant accounting policies.

 

 

 

 

21


In addition to those estimates referred to above, the Company’s employee compensation and benefits expense for interim periods is impacted by estimates and assumptions. A substantial portion of the Company’s employee compensation and benefits expense represents incentive compensation that is generally determined on the basis of the fiscal year results and paid at year’s end. The Company’s incentive compensation accruals are primarily formulaic, generally based upon the pre-tax profitability of the Company. However, management has discretion to alter incentive compensation accruals in certain instances. At interim periods, management accrues incentive compensation based on the results of the formulas, and may revise these accruals for any anticipated discretionary changes.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 10 of this filing for discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

The Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Actual results are subject to risks and uncertainties, including both those specific to the Company and those to the industry, which could cause results to differ materially from those contemplated. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, government monetary and fiscal policy, the actions of competitors, changes in and effects of marketing strategies, client interest in specific products and services, the completion of all contractual, technological, legal and other requirements for the introduction of new products or services, regulatory changes and actions, changes in legislation, risk management, the impact of the AGE Bank Deposit Program and the expansion of powers of the Trust Company, legal claims, technology changes, price adjustments, compensation changes, the impact of outsourcing agreements, the impact of SFAS No. 123R including the timing of the recognition of expenses and the treatment of expenses for retirement-eligible employees, the impact and value of the Company’s investments including NYSE Group, implementation and effects of expense-reduction strategies, and efforts to make more of non-compensation expenses variable in nature. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, there were no material changes to the Company’s market risk.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). Based on the evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that, at the reasonable assurance level, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Management has designed and implemented disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. The Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that these disclosure controls and procedures will prevent or detect all errors or fraud. Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. See Item 9A, as reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006, for a more detailed discussion regarding disclosure controls and procedures.

No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2006 that materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The following information supplements the discussion in Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2006.

On May 31, 2006, the SEC instituted proceedings against Edwards and 14 other financial firms alleging that each of the firms had violated Section 17(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1934 in connection with transactions involving auction rate securities. Simultaneously with the institution of proceedings, each of the firms, without admitting or denying the findings of the SEC, consented to censure, undertakings and monetary penalties. Edwards was required to pay $125,000.

On August 7, 2006, NYSE Regulation, Inc. censured and fined Edwards $900,000 (with a previous payment to another regulator deemed to satisfy $400,000 of the fine) for improperly maintaining customers in non-managed fee-based accounts, for failing to supervise a branch manager and for failing to properly report certain statistical information concerning customer complaints. In addition, Edwards is required to make restitution to certain clients of fees previously charged which Edwards currently estimates to be approximately $840,000.

 

A.G. Edwards, Inc. and Edwards have been named as defendants in separate lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, the United States District Court of New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon and the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County Pennsylvania. Each of the suits seeks to be a class action on behalf of defined groups of financial consultants or employees being trained to be financial consultants during specified periods that vary in each lawsuit. Each of the suits seeks, among other relief, overtime pay for the purported class members and two of the suits seek reimbursement of certain amounts deducted from commissions allegedly owed the employees or paid by the employees. As has been previously disclosed, a lawsuit also seeking to represent a class of financial consultants and employees being trained as financial consultants and making similar claims has been filed in the Unites States District Court for the Southern District of California.

The State of Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department has sent a Notice of Hearing dated December 1, 2006 that alleges, among other matters, that Edwards engaged in activities to facilitate mutual fund market timing on behalf of certain clients from January 2001 to October 2003 and had inadequate procedures to detect and prevent late trading of mutual funds in violation of the Illinois Securities Law of 1953.

The Attorney General of South Carolina, Securities Division, filed an administrative proceeding in August 2005 against Edwards and two former employees in connection with actions taken from 1995 to 2002 involving securities transactions with residents of South Carolina by financial consultants in Edwards’ Augusta, Georgia branch. Edwards has reached oral agreement to resolve this matter and matters relating to an Edwards branch in South Carolina by payment of $575,000.

Item 1A. Risk Factors  

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, please read the factors discussed in Part I. - Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006. There have been no material changes in risk factors from those previously discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company may have a material adverse effect on the condensed consolidated financial condition or the operating results of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by the Company of the Company’s common stock during the three-month period ended November 30, 2006:

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid Per Share

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans

 

Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans

 

September

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9/1/06 - 9/30/06)

 

195,039

 

53.45

 

195,039

 

9,511,629

 

October

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10/1/06 – 10/31/06)

 

411,597

 

55.75

 

411,597

 

9,100,032

 

November

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11/1/06 – 11/30/06)

 

365,077

 

57.73

 

365,077

 

8,734,955

 

Total

 

971,713

 

56.03

 

971,713

 

 

 

In November 2004, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock during the period November 19, 2004 through December 31, 2006. In November 2006, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock during the period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008. In May 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock solely to effect employee stock transactions in the Company’s Retirement and Profit Sharing Plan during the period May 24, 2005 through May 31, 2008. There were 4,123,777 shares and 4,611,178 shares available to repurchase under the November 2004 and May 2005 plans, respectively.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

 

10

 

A.G. Edwards, Inc. Retirement and Profit Sharing Plan (2005 Restatement and Amendments).

 

 

 

31(i)

 

Principal Executive Officer Certification as required by Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31(ii)

 

Principal Financial Officer Certification as required by Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32(i)

 

Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32(ii)

 

Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002.

 

24


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.G. EDWARDS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

January 9, 2007

 

 

/s/ Robert L. Bagby

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert L. Bagby

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board and

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

January 9, 2007

 

 

/s/ Douglas L. Kelly

 

 

 

 

 

 

Douglas L. Kelly

 

 

 

 

 

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25